Charlie Adam is set to make an emotional return for Stoke, just a fortnight
after the tragic death of his father.

Adam could start against Manchester City on Tuesday and make his first appearance since Charlie Adam senior was found hanged at his Dundee home. His father, a former footballer, was 50.

The Scotland international has been on the bench for the last two games but is expected to play at the Etihad Stadium.

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis said: “It’s very difficult to gauge how individuals react to losing their parents, but the good thing about the place is that the players are so close to each other.

“They are a good group of players. Him being around, even sitting on the bench for a couple of games, takes his mind off it, just to be part of it.

“We will be looking to freshen it up. I thought one or two players looked tired against Southampton. Ryan [Shawcross] comes back into the squad, Geoff Cameron comes back into the squad, they have had a break. We will make three or four changes to the team that started.”